LISTEN: PSNI receives almost 2,000 domestic abuse calls in lockdown

by Q Radio News and PA reporter

New figures from the PSNI shows it received almost 2,000 calls in the first three weeks of April during the coronavirus lockdown. 

Last month police already recorded an increase in calls since restrictions were introduced.

From 1st-21st April, 1,919 domestic abuse calls were made, which equates to a 10% increase on the 570 calls usually received each week.

Detective Superintendent Anthony McNally from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch said: “In the last week alone, from 15th-21st April, there were 611 calls.

"This compares to 585 domestic abuse calls during the week of 1st-7th April - an additional 26 calls. During the week of the 8th-14th April, there were 723 domestic abuse calls made to us."

It comes as politicians at Stormont have begun debating legislation in the assembly which will strengthen Northern Ireland's domestic abuse laws. 

It was introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long, making coercive control an offence in the region for the first time. 

The form of bullying includes controlling psychological, emotional or financial abuse and non-violent intimidation, rather than physical or sexual harm. 

The legislation will also see convictions for the most serious domestic abuse offences carry a penalty of up to 14 years. 

It is required to close a loophole and ensure protection for victims is not limited to physically violent behaviour, as at present.

It has already been a crime in England and Wales since 2015.

However, in Northern Ireland the legislation fell when the assembly collapsed in January 2017.

(Justice Minister Naomi Long introducing the second stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill)

Addressing the assembly, Minister Long said she recognised there may be an increase in calls due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

She said those at risk have found themselves without their normal support networks because they have to remain at home.

Lockdown rules are being regularly reviewed and will eventually be lifted but the minister told Assembly members her legislation was for the long term.

Mrs Long said: "It is important that our response is not temporary or fleeting as domestic abuse is neither."

She said it would provide reassurance to victims and urged those in danger to call or email helplines, contact a friend or the police if necessary.

"Whilst you may be socially distancing you are definitely not alone."

The Alliance Party leader said victims felt isolated, controlled, trapped, degraded and humiliated and were left always on their guard and awaiting the next attack.

(Justice Minister Naomi Long addressing the new domestic abuse bill)

Mrs Long also said the law would help victims give the best evidence they can to courts and reduce the number disengaging from the criminal justice system.

As mentioned previously, a person convicted in a crown court of the worst offending faces up to 14 years in prison.

Mrs Long said the most serious cases were more likely to involve a course of behaviour including psychological and physical abuse.

The effect abuse can have on children is also reflected in the offence.

Meanwhile, Justice committee chairman Paul Givan also said the number of domestic abuse crimes was on the increase.

In one year there were 18,033 crimes.

Mr Givan said: "Home is where most people feel secure. It is a haven where you can relax with loved ones."

He asked where else you could feel safe if not at home.

"For many men, women, young and old, home becomes the worst place to be," he said.

"It is a person's living nightmare and the crime is committed by someone who supposedly loves them and they should be able to trust."

Campaigners have long argued for measures contained in the proposed legislation.

Meanwhile, earlier this month domestic abuse charity Nexus NI announced announced it had seen a 40% increase in calls this month alone. 

https://www.goqradio.com/news/q-radio-local-news/40-increase-in-calls-to-ni-domestic-abuse-charity-during-covid-19-lockdown/

It expressed concern and fear for victims of domestic and sexual violence during the current covid-19 lockdown enforced to help stop the spread of coronavirus. 

Women's Aid also described the lockdown as "prime time" for abusers with domestic abuse victims being more vulnerable than ever. 

The domestic abuse bill will be debated for the first time today, however, it is thought it could take until next spring before it comes law as it still has to face several further stages of scrutiny.